Electrical control system in a coinoperated vending apparatus and a product vend channel device for such apparatus

ABSTRACT

An electrical control system is provided in a coin-operated vending apparatus having a plurality of product vend channels, the system including a coin-operated energizing circuit which incorporates a relay, and a holding circuit for the relay. The holding circuit includes, for each of the product vend channels, first and second switches with the first switch having a first position in which it completes the holding circuit in by-passing relationship to the second switch and a second position in which, after breaking of the holding circuit and deenergization of the relay, it re-completes the holding circuit through the second switch when the second switch is closed. The first and second switches are cam-operated by the respective product vend motor, the re-completion of the holding circuit when the first switch is in the second position and the second switch is closed permitting, if a malfunction occurs during a product vending cycle in the respective product vend channel and while the holding circuit is so re-completed, a product to be obtained from any of the remaining product vend channels on the insertion into the apparatus of a further coin or coins of the appropriate denomination.

States ii ateiit [191 [111 3,763,982 [451 Oct. 9, 1973 ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM IN A COIN-OPERATED VENDING APPARATUS, AND A PRODUCT VEND CHANNEL DEVICE FOR SUCH APPARATUS [75] Inventor: John Wilson Glen, Deseronto,

OntarimCanada [73 Assignee: Eddy Match Company, Limited,

East Toronto, Ontario, Canada [22] Filed: Apr. 11, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 242,943

Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg Attorney-4. A. Legris [57] ABSTRACT An electrical control system is provided in a coinoperated vending apparatus having a plurality of product vend channels, the system including a coinoperated energizing circuit which incorporates a relay, and a holding circuit for the relay. The holding circuit includes, for each of the product vend channels, first and second switches with the first switch having a first position in which it completes the holding circuit in by-passing relationship to the second switch and a second position in which, after breaking of the holding circuit and deenergization of the relay, it re-completes the holding circuit through the second switch when the second switch is closed. The first and second switches are cam-operated by the respective product vend motor, the re-completion of the holding circuit when the first switch is in the second position and the second switch is closed permitting, if a malfunction occurs during a product vending cycle in the respec tive product vend channel and while the holding circuit is so re-completed, a product to be obtained from any of the remaining product vend channels on the insertion into the apparatus of a further coin or coins of the appropriate denomination.

16 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures ELECTRICAL CONTROL SYSTEM IN A COIN-OPERATED VENDING APPARATUS, AND A PRODUCT VEND CHANNEL DEVICE FOR SUCH APPARATUS This invention is concerned with an electrical control system in a coin-operated vending apparatus, the apparatus more particularly being of the type having a plurality of product vend channels which areeach operatively stocked with a different product, whereby on insertion of a coin or coins of the appropriate denomination into the apparatus a product from a selected one of the plurality of product vend channels is dispensed.

It has generally hitherto been the case in coinoperated vending apparatus of this type that if, during operation of a product vend motor for the selected product vend channel, a malfunction occurs which pre-' vents continued operation'of said product vend motor and hence prevents completion of the product dispensing cycle for a product from the selected product vend channel not only does the customer fail to obtain a product on the product dispensing cycle during which the malfunction occurs but, in addition, until the malfunction has been corrected it is not possible for products to be dispensed from any of the remaining product vend channels in the apparatus. This is, of course, a considerable disadvantage since usually it will be necessary for a maintenance technician to be called in order for the malfunction to be corrected, and until this has been attended to the entire vending apparatus is inoperable with a resultant loss in the earning potential of the apparatus.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide in a coin-operated vending apparatus of the type hereinbefore referred to an electrical control system which, if such a malfunction occurs during the dispensing of a product from a selected one of the product vend channels, still permits products to be dispensed in the normal manner from the remaining product vend channels, such a malfunction resulting, where the products are constituted by, for example, cans of soft drinks, from say a deformed can becoming jammed during the dispensing thereof. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a product vend channel device for such coin-operated vending apparatus.

It has hitherto been proposed in US. Pat. No.

3,349,881 which issued on Oct. 31, 1967 to V. D. 7

Camp and which is the most relevant prior art of which the applicant is aware to provide in a coin-operated vending apparatus of the type hereinbefore referred to an electrical control system which, if a malfunction occurs during the dispensing of a product from a selected one of the plurality of product vend channels, still permits products to be dispensed in the normal manner from the remaining product vend channels. However, the electrical control system as disclosed by Camp for achieving this result is of relatively complex and hence expensive form since, for example, it incorporates in addition to a main vend relay an additional selector relay for each of the product vend channels, and it is accordingly also an object of the present invention to provide in a coin-operated vending apparatus an electrical control system which is of relatively simple and inexpensive form.

According to the present invention, in a coinoperated vending apparatus having a plurality of product vend channels, there is provided an electrical control system comprising a plurality of motors each of which controls product vending from a respective one of the product vend channels, electrical supply means for the motors, selective switching means for selectively connecting the motors, one at a time, in circuit with the electrical supply means, the electrical supply means including a relay operated switch, a coinoperated energizing circuit including a relay for operating said switch, and a holding circuit for the relay, said holding circuit including, for each product vend channel, first and second respective switches, said first switch having a first position in which it completes the holding circuit in by-passing relationship to the second switch and a second position in which it completes the holding circuit through the second switch when the second switch which is normally open is closed, and said first and second switches being operable from the first to the second position and from the normally open to the closed position, respectively, upon initial operation of the respective motor, whereby the holding circuit is broken, while said respective motor remains connected in circuit with the electrical supply means for completion of the product vending cycle.

According to the present invention, a product vend channel device for coin-operated vending apparatus comprises a product dispensing cradle which is mounted for movement between a first position in which a product disposed on the cradle is retained thereon and a second position in which a product disposed on the cradle is discharged therefrom, a product vend motor having an output drive coupled to the product dispensing cradle for movement of the cradle, on operation of the motor, between said first and second positions, and first and second switches, the first switch being a double-throw switch, and the second switch being a normally open switch, with the switches being operable upon initial operation of the motor and being restorable to the initial positions thereof on termination of the operation of the motor.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and more readily carried into effect the same will now, by way of example, be more fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which FIG. 1 is a diagram of an electrical control system in a coin-operated vending apparatus according to a pre ferred embodiment of the invention; 4

FIG. 2 is a view of a product vend channel device, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, for coin-operated vending apparatus;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of parts of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view in the direction of the arrows 4-4 in FIG. 3; 7

FIG. 5 is a side view of parts of the device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5 but showing the illustrated parts of the device in a different operative condition;

FIG. 7 is a view in the direction of the arrows 7-7 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a'view corresponding to a portion of FIG. 7 but showing the parts illustrated therein in a different operative condition; and

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of parts of the device illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

With reference to the drawings and particularly FIG.

1 thereof, 10, and 10" denote three electric motors which may be identical and which may each be of conventional form, the motors 10, 10 and 10" controlling product vending from product vend channels 11, 11' and 11", respectively, as is hereinafter more fully explained with particular reference to FIGS. 2 to 9, inclusive. While in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the coin-operated vending apparatus has three product vend channels 11, 11' and 11", it is to be understood that in alternative embodiments (not shown) of the invention the coin-operated vending apparatus may have only two such product vend channels or may have more than three such product vend channels.

A coin-operated energizing circuit is provided, this circuit comprising, in series, a relay 12 and a coinoperated switch 13 electrically connected across two electrical supply lines 14 and 15, the switch 13 being operable on insertion into the apparatus of a coin or coins of the appropriate denomination from its position shown in FIG. 1 to a position in which the relay 12 is connected therethrough to the lines 14 and 15 for energization of the relay 12. A holding circuit for the relay 12 is electrically connected in parallel with the coinoperated switch 13, this holding circuit comprising a normally open, relay operated switch 16 together with, for each of the product vend channels 1 l, 11' and 11", a first switch 17, 17', 17'', respectively. Each of the switches 17, 17' and 17" is a double-throw switch having a first position shown in FIG. 1 in which the switches 17, 17' and 17" complete the holding circuit for the relay 12, the switches 17, 17' and 17" being electrically connected in the holding circuit in series with one another and with the relay operated switch 16 through the lines 18 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25.

Electrical supply means is provided for the motors 10, 10 and 10", this electrical supply means including a further normally open, relay operated switch 26 operation of which is controlled by the relay l2, with selective switching means comprising, for each of the product vend channels 11, 11 and 11", a selector switch 27, 27', 27", respectively, being provided for selectively connecting the motors 10, 10' and 10', respectively, in circuit, one at a time, with the electrical supply means.

For each of the product vend channels 11, 11' and 11" there is included in the electrical supply means a product empty switch 28, 28', 28", respectively, the product empty switches 28, 28' and 28" being maintained in the closed position shown in FIG. 1 thereby to connect the motors 10, 10' and 10", respectively, in circuit with the electrical supply means while there is a product stock in the product vend channels 11, ll

- and 11", respectively, but being operated to the open position if the product stock in the product vend channels 11, 11' and 11"respectively, becomes exhausted.

Each of the selector switches 27, 27 and 27" has a first position in which it connects the motor 10, 10', 10'', respectively, in circuit with the electrical supply means, and, in relation to each of the selector switches 27 and 27, a second position in which it connects the selector switch 27', 27", respectively, of the next following product vend channel 11', 11", respectively, in circuit with the electrical supply means. Thus, more particularly, each of the selector switches 27 and 27 is a double-throw switch having a first position in which it connects the motor 10, 10', respectively, in circuit with the electrical supply means, and a second position shown in FIG. 1 in which with the switch 27 in this second position it connects the switch 27' in circuit with the electrical supply means, while with the switch 27' in this second position it connects the switch 27" in circuit with the electrical supply means. The selector switch 27" since it is for the final product vend channel 11" need not be a double-throw switch.

The relay operated switch 26 is connected to the line 14, the coin-operated switch 13, in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, being a double-throw switch having a position shown in FIG. 1 in which it is incorporated in a closed position in circuit between the power supply line 14 and the relay operated switch 26.

Thus, in relation to the motor 10 the electrical supply means comprises the electrical power supply lines 14 and 15, together with lines 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33 by which the motor 10 may be electrically connected through the switch 28, the selector switch 27, the relay operated switch 26 and the coin operated switch 13 across the supply lines 14 and 15. In relation to the motor 10' the electrical supply means again comprises the electrical power supply lines 14 and 15, together with lines 29', 30', 31', 34, 32 and 33 by which the motor 10' may be electrically connected through the switch 28', the selector switch 16, the selector switch 16, the relay operated switch 26 and the coin-operated switch 13 across the supply lines 14 and 15. Similarly, in relation to the motor 10" the electrical supply means comprises the electrical power supply lines 14 and 15, together with lines 29", 30", 31"35, 34, 32 and 33 by which the motor 10" may be electrically connected through the switch 18'', the selector switch 16", the selector switch 16', the selector switch 16, the relay operated switch 26 and the coin-operated switch 13 across the supply lines 14 and 15.

As hereinbefore stated, each of the switches l7, l7 and 17" is a double-throw switch, the switches 17, 17' and 17" each having a second position in which it electrically connects the motor 10, 10', 10", respectively, through a line 35, 35', 35", respectively, in circuit with the electrical supply means. I

Thus, in relation to the motor 10, the electrical supply means further comprises the lines 35 and 25 through which, when the switch 17 is in the second position thereof, the motor 10 is electrically connected across the supply lines 14 and 15. In relation to the motor 10' the electrical supply means further comprises the lines 35', 23, 24, and 25 through which, when the switch 17' is in the second position thereof and the switch 17 is in the first position thereof, the motor 10' is electrically connected across the supply lines 14 and 15. Similarly, in relation to the motor 10" the electrical supply means further comprises the lines 35", 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 through which, when the switch 17" is in the second position thereof and the switches 17 and 17' are in the first positions thereof, the motor 10" is electrically connected across the supply lines 14 and 15.

For the product vend channels 11, 11 and 11 there are also provided second switches 36, 36' and 36", respectively, which are normally open and through which, when the first switches 17, 17' and 17" are in the second positions thereof and the second switches 36, 36' and 36 are closed, the holding circuit for the relay 12 is completed, each of the second switches 36,

36'. and 36" being electrically connected across the two alternative contacts of the associated first switch 17, 17' or 17'', respectively.

The first and second switches 17 and 36, 17 and 36', and 17" and 36" are operated from the first to the second positions and from the normally open to the closed positions, respectively, upon initial operation of the motors l0, l and 10'', respectively, the speed of such operation of the first and second switches 17 and 36, 17 and 36', 17" and 36" being such, in relation to the relay 12, that the holding circuit for the relay 12 is broken and the relay 12 is deenergized before this holding circuit is re-established through the operated first switch l7, 17', 17'' when in the second position thereof and through the operated second switch 36, 36', 36" when in the closed position thereof. ln the preferrd embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first and second switches 17 and 36, 17' and 36', and 17" and 36" for the product vend channels 11, l1 and 11'', respectively, are camoperated switches, cam means being drivenly con- .nected to the motors l0, l0 and 10" for operation of the switches 17 and 36, 17' and 36', 17" and 36", respectively. As is hereinafter more fully explained with particular reference to FIGS. 2 to 9, inclusive, the above-described operation of the first and second switches 17 and 36, 17' and 36', 17" and 36" upon initial operation of the motors 10, 10 and 10'', respectively, is preferably staggered, with, in each product vend channels 11, 11', 11'', such operation of the second switch 36, 36', 36", respectively, occurring subsequently to said operation of the first switch 17, 17 and 17", respectively, thereby to ensure breaking of the holding circuit with deenergization of the relay 12 upon initial operation of the motor l0, 10', 10, respectively.

With particular reference to FIGS. 2 to 9, inclusive, there is therein illustrated a product vend channel device one of which is provided for each of the product vend channels 11, 11' and 11''. For convenience, the product vend channel device illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 9, inclusive, is hereinafter specifically described as being the device for the product vend channel 11, although it is to be emphasized that the product vend channel devices for the product vend channels 11' and 11" are identical thereto.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, 37 denotes generally a body structure the forward end portion of which is in the form of two spaced, forwardly projecting leg portions 37' between which a product dispensing cradle 38 is pivotally mounted by means of stub axles 39 journalled in opposed, aligned apertures provided in the leg portions 37'. The cradle 38 the front and rear ends of which are provided with upstanding lip portions 40 is pivotally movable with a rocking movement thereof between a first position shown in FIGS. 2 and in which a product (not shown) disposed on the cradle 38 is retained thereon, and a second position shown in FIG. 6 in which a product (not shown) disposed on the cradle 38 is discharged therefrom down a discharge guide 41 to a product discharge chute (not shown) of the coin-operated vending apparatus. Thus, with the cradle 38 in the first position thereof it is tilted in one direction, while with the cradle 38 in the second position thereof it is tilted in the opposite direction.

Mounted on the underside of the body structure 37 is the motor which has an output drive coupled to the cradle 38 for movement thereof, on operation of the motor 10, between the above-described first and second positions. a

The output drive of the motor 10 comprises a gear reduction mechanism 42 which is operatively driven by the motor 10 and which has an output shaft 43 on which a member denoted generally by the reference numeral 44 is mounted for rotation with the shaft 43, the coupling between this output drive and the cradle 38 comprising a link 45 one end of which is eccentrically and pivotally connected to the member 44 for rotation thereby and the other end of which is pivotally connected about a pivot pin 46 to a projecting arm por tion 47 presented by the cradle 38. The pivot pin 46 is spaced from the axis of the stub axles 39 about which the cradle 38 is pivotally movable.

The member 44 comprises cam means in the form of two non-rotatably interconnected cams 48 and 49 each of which comprises a disc portion 50 together with a circumferentially incomplete annular flange 51, the cams48 and 49 being disposed in back-to-back relationship with the cam 48 being mounted on the shaft 43 for rotation therewith and with the disc portion 50 of the cam 48 presenting a plurality of projecting pins 52 engageable within corresponding apertures 53 provided in a circular projection 54 presented by the disc portion 50 of the cam 49. With the pins 52 disposed within the apertures 53 a securement screw 55 is disposed through the disc portion 50 and the projection 54 of the cam 49 and is screw-threadedly engaged with the disc portion 50 of the cam 48 thereby to provide said nomrotatable interconnectionof the cams 48 and 49, said one end of the link 45 being provided with a circular opening 56 within which the projection 54 is journalled to provide said eccentric pivotal connection between said one end of the link 45 and the member 44 constituted by the cams 48 and 49.

As will be noted the first switch 17 and the second switch 36 of the product vend channel 1 1 are mounted for operation by the cams 48 and 49, respectively, the leading edge portion 57 of the flange 51 of the cam 48 serving to initiate operation of the switch 17 from the first to the second position thereof and being, relative to the operative direction of rotation of the earns 48 and 49 indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 2, in advance of the leading edge portion 58 of the flange 51 of the cam 49 which serves to initiate operation of the switch 36 from the normally open to the closed position thereof, thereby, as hereinbefore described, to cause operation of the second switch 36 from the normally open to the closed position thereof subsequent to the operation of the first switch 17 from the first to the sec ond position thereof. As shown in FIG. 3 the trailing edge portion 59 of the flange 51 of the cam 48 is substantially in alignment with the trailing edge portion 60 of the annular flange 51 of the cam 49, although the trailing edge portion 60 may be slightly in advance of .the trailing edge portion 59. The trailing edge portions 59 and 60 of the cams 48 and 49, respectively, permit the switches 17 and 36, respectively, to return to their initial positions in which the first switch 17 is in the first position thereof and the second switch 36 is in the open position thereof on completion of the product vending cycle i.e. when through the rocking movement of the cradle 38 the cradle 38 has passed from the first position to the second position thereof and has returned to the first position thereof.

The product empty switch 28is provided with an actuating arm 6 which is operatively disposed in the path of the product supply to the cradle 38, so that while there is operatively a product stock in the product vend channel 11 the arm 61 is maintained thereby in-the po sition shown in full lines in FIG. 2. In this position the I switch 28 is maintained in the closed position. lf, however, the product stock in the product vend channel 11 'becomes exhausted the arm 61 moves under a resilient bias acting thereon to the position shown in chaindotted lines in FIG. 2 in which position the switch 28 is in the open position thereby to prevent operation of the motor 10.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the motor it) is provided with a brake by means of which any tendency for the motor to over-run at the completion of the product vending cycle is substantially prevented, the brake comprising a member which is constituted by a first element 62 which is pivotally mounted about a pivot pin 63 and a second element 64 which is pivotally mounted about a pivot pin 65. The element 62 presents a tooth 66 disposed in engagement with a notch 67 provided in the element 64. 68 denotes generally a flange presenting a bearing 69 for the associated end portion 70 of the motor shaft 71, the flange 68 being fixedly mounted by the pins 63 and 65 which are disposed therethrough. Mounted on the shaft 7H for rotation therewith is a member 72 presenting a tooth member 73 with which a tooth 74 presented by the element 64 is engageable thereby to prevent rotation of the shaft 71 when the member constituted by the elements 62 and 64 is in a first position shown in FIG. 7. The member constituted by the elements 62 and 64 is resiliently urged towards this first position by a spring 75 which urges the element 64 to turn in the appropriate direction about the pivot pin 65. The member constituted by the elements 62 and 64 has a second position shown in FIG. 8 to which said member is moved, against the influence of the spring 75 in the element 64, by electromagnetic urging of a portion 76 of the element 62 on energization of the windings of the motor 110. With said member in this second position the tooth 74 is clear of the tooth member 73, so that during operation of the motor 10 the brake is maintained in an inoperative condition.

The motor 10 is provided with means responsive to the temperature of the motor windings to disconnect the motor 10 from the electrical supply means therefor on said temperature attaining a pre-determined value.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the operation of the electrical control system shown therein will now be described. With the system initially in the condition shown in FIG. 1 the insertion into the apparatus of a coin or coins of the appropriate denomination causes operation of the switch 13 with resultant energization of the relay 12. Energization of the relay 12 causes the relay operated switch 16 to close thereby completing the holding circuit through the switches 117, 17' and 17" each of which is in the first position thereof, the holding circuit being so completed in by-passing relationship to the second switches 36, 36' and 36". Thus, on the switch 13 returning to its initial position shown in FIG. 1 the relay 12 remains energized through the holding circuit. I

The customer then manually operates a selected one of the selector switches 27, 27' and 27" depending on whether he wishes to obtain a product from the product vend channel 11, 11' or 11", respectively. Assuming that the customer wishes to obtain a product from the product vend channel llll, operation of the selector switch 27 initiates operation of the motor 10 through the product empty switch 28, the selector switch 27, the relay operated switch 26 which, since the relay 12 is energized, is in the closed position, and the coin operated switch 13. If the customer, in an attempt to obtain a product from two or more of the product vend channels 1 H, M and ll", simultaneously operates one or both of the selector switches 27' and 47" in addition to the selector switch 27 this attempt fails since operation of the selector switch 27 from the second towards the first position thereof results, of course, in disconnection of the electrical supply means for the motors 10' and MD".

This initial operation of the motor 10 results in operation of the first switch 17 from the first position to the second position thereof so that the motor 10 remains electrically connected in circuit with the electrical supply means through the lines 35 and 25 and the switch 17 and in by-passing relationship to the selector switch 27 and the relay operated switch 26, such operation of the switch 17 from the first position to the second position thereof breaking the holding circuit for the relay 12 to deenergize the relay 12 and so prevent operation of the motors l0 and lit)" through subsequent operation of the respective selector switches 27' and 27" since deenergization of the relay 112 results in the relay operated switch 26 returning to its normally open position.

On completion of the product vending cycle the first switch 17 is restored from its second position to its first position, and the second switch 36 is restored from its closed to its normally open position, thereby to terminate operation of the motor l0 and to return the electrical control system to its initial condition as shown in FIG. 1.

If, during the product vending cycle a malfunction occurs which prevents completion of this cycle, such a malfunction being constituted, for example, by jamming of the product in the product dispensing cradle 38, his still possible on the insertion of a further coin or coins of the appropriate denomination into the apparatus for a product to be obtained from either of the remaining product vend channels 11' and 11". Thus, such a malfunction in the product vend channel 11 will, in practice, occur while the first switch 17 is in the second position and the second switch 36 is in the closed position, so that on insertion of a further coin or coins of the appropriate denomination into the apparatus the holding circuit for the relay 12 is re-completed through the first switch 17 and second switch 36 with the result that on operation of, for example, the selector switch 27' the motor to is operated through the switch 28', the selector switch 27', the selector switch 27, the relay operated switch 26 and the coin-operated switch 13. The resultant operation of the first switch 17' from the first to the second position thereof results, of course, in

- breaking of the holding circuit with deenergization of the relay 12 while the motor lit) remains, however, electrically connected in circuit with the electrical supply means through the line 35', the first switch 17', the line 23, the'second switch 36, the line 35, the first switch H7 and the line 25 in order to complete the product vending cycle in the product vend channel 11'.

On the occurrence of such a malfunction in the product vend channel 11 the motor 10 remains, of course, connected in circuit'with the electrical supply means, although because of the malfunction continued operation of the motor 10 is prevented. The result is that the temperature in the windings of the motor 10 will increase, the temperature responsive means (not shown) with which the motor 10 is provided causing disconnection of the motor 10 from the electrical supply means when this temperature attains the pre-determined value thereby to prevent damage being caused to the motor 10.

While the operation of the electrical control system is hereinbefore specifically described only in relation to the malfunction occurring during a product vending cycle in the product vend channel 11 it will of course, be understood that if the malfunction occurs during a product vending cycle in the product vend channel 11 or the product vend channel 11" it is likewise subsequently possible, on the insertion of a further coin or coins of the appropriate denomination into the apparatus, to obtain products from the product vend channel 11 or 11" or from the product vend channel ll or 1 1', respectively. More generally, as a result of the provision, for each of the product vend channels 1 l, 11' and 11", of the second switch 36, 36' and 36", respectively, if such a malfunction occurs during a product vending cycle in any one, or in each of more than one, of the product vend channels 11, 11' and 11" it is still possible, on the insertion into the apparatus of a further coin or coins of the appropriate denomination, to obtain a product from the remaining or from any selected one of the remaining product vend channels 11, 11' and 11'', since the or each malfunction occurs while the first switch l7, 17 or 17" of the appropriate product vend channel 11, 11' or 11', respectively, is in the second position and while the second switch 36, 36' or 36", respectively, is in the closed position so that the holding circuit for the relay 12 may be subsequently recompleted through the first and second switches 17 and 36, 17' and 36' or 17" and 36" of the product vend channel 11, 11' or 11", respectively, in which the malfunction has occurred.

By the present invention, therefore, in a coinoperated vending apparatus having a plurality of product vend channels if one or more of the product vend channels becomes inoperative through a malfunction during a product vending cycle therefrom it is still possible for a product to be obtained in the normal manner from any of the remaining product vend channels, the electrical control system for achieving this result being, according to the present invention, of a relatively simple and inexpensive form.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a coin-operated vending apparatus having a plurality of product vend channels, an electrical control system comprising:

a plurality of motors each of which controls product vending from a respective one of the product vend channels;

electrical supply means for the motors;

selective switching means for selectively connecting the motors, one at a time, in circuit with the electrical supply means;

the electrical supply means including a relay operated switch;

a coin-operated energizing circuit including a relay for operating said switch; and

a holding circuit for the relay;

" said holding circuit including, for each product vend channel, first and second respective switches, said first switch having a first position in which it completes the holding circuit in by-passing relationship to the second switch and a second position in which it completes the holding circuit through the second switch when the second switch which is normally open is closed, and said first and second switches being operable from the first to the second position and from the normally open to the closed position, respectively, upon initial operation of the respective motor, whereby the holding circuit is broken, while said respective motor remains connected in circuit with the electrical supply means for completion of the product vending cycle.

2. In a coin-operated vending apparatus having a plurality of product vend channels, an electrical control system comprising: i

a plurality of motors each of which controls product vending from a respective one of the product vend channels;

electrical supply means for the motors;

selective switching means for selectively connecting the motors, one at a time, in circuit with the electrical supply means;

the electrical supply means including a relay operated switch;

a coin-operated energizing circuit including a relay for operating said switch; and

a holding circuit for the relay;

said holding circuit including, for each product vend channel, first and second respective switches, said first switch having a first position in which it completes the holding circuit in by-passing relationship to the second switch and a second position in which it connects the respective motor in circuit with the electrical supply means in by-passing relationship to the selective switching means and the relay operated switch. and in which it completes the holding circuit through the second switch when the second switch which is normally open is closed, and said first and second switches being operable from the first to the second position and from the normally open to the closed position, respectively, upon initial operation of the respective motor, whereby to break the holding circuit.

3. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in each product vend channel, the first and second switches are cam-operated switches, cams being drivenly connected to the respective motor for operation of the cam-operated switches.

4. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in each product vend channel operation of the first and second switches upon initial operation of the respective motor is staggered, with said second switch being operable subsequently to said first switch.

5. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising, for each product vend channel, a product empty switch through which the respective product vend motor is connectible in circuit with the electrical supply means.

6. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coin-operated energizing circuit further comprises a coin-operated switch having a first position in which it completes the coin-operated energizing circuit and a second position in which it is incorporated, in a closed position, in the electrical supply means.

7. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selective switching means comprises, for each product vend channel, a selector switch having a first position in which it connects the respective product vend motor in circuit with the electrical supply means, and a second position in which it connects the selector switch of the next following product vend channel in circuit with the electrical supply means.

8. A product vend channel device for coin-operated vending apparatus, the device comprising a product dispensing cradle which is mounted for movement flwssaafira .p it gmin which a rq q sposed on the cradle is retained thereon and a second position in which a product disposed on the cradle is discharged therefrom, a product vend motor having an output drive coupled to the product dispensing cradle for movement of the cradle, on operation of the motor, between said first and second positions, and first and second switches mounted in the device for operation by the motor, the first switch being a double-throw switch which is electrically connected in series with the motor for connection of the motor in circuit with electrical supply means and which has a first position in which said circuit is broken by the first switch and a second position in which said circuit is completed, the second switch being a normally open switch which is electricaly connected across the two alternative contacts of the first switch, and the first and second switches being operable upon initial operation of the motor from the first to the second position and from the open to the closed position, respectively, and being restorable on termination of the operation of the motor from the second to the first position and from the closed to the open position, respectively.

9. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second switches are camoperated switches, cam means being drivenly connected to the output drive of the product vend motor for operation of the cam operated switches.

10. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein the product dispensing cradle is pivotally mounted for rocking movement between said first and second positions thereof, the cradle in the first position thereof being tilted in one direction and in the second position thereof being tilted in the opposite direction.

11. A product vend channel device according to claim 10, wherein the coupling between the output drive of the product vend motor and the product dispensmg cradle comprises a link one end of which is eccentrically and pivotally connected to the output drive of the motor for rotation thereby, and the other end of which is pivotally connected at a position spaced from the airis about which the cradle is pivotally mounted to a prryectrng arm portion presented by the cradle.

12. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein the product vend motor is provided with a brake which comprises a member movable between a first position in which it is in engagement with a further member presented by the output drive of the motor to prevent operation of the motor, and a second position in which it is clear of said further member, the first-mentioned member being resiliently urged towards said first position thereof and being, against said resilient urging, electromagnetically urged by energisation of the windings of the motor towards said second position thereof.

13. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein means responsive to the temperature of the windings of the product vend motor is provided for disconnecting the electrical supply means from the motor on said temperature attaining a pre-determined value.

14. A product vend channel device according to claim 9, wherein the cam means presents first and second portions for initiating operation of the first and second switches, respectively, said first portion being in advance of said second portion relative to the operative direction of rotation of the cam means.

15. A product vend channel device according to claim 9, wherein said cam means comprises two annular flanges each of which is circumferentially incomplete.

16. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein a product empty switch is incorporated in circuit with the product vend motor, an actuating arm for the product empty switch being provided in the path of the product supply to the product dispensing cradle, whereby the product empty switch is operated to prevent operation of the motor when the prod uct supply is exhausted.

g V I V I 

1. In a coin-operated vending apparatus having a plurality of product vend channels, an electrical control system comprising: a plurality of motors each of which controls product vending from a respective one of the product vend channels; electrical supply means for the motors; selective switching means for selectively connecting the motors, one at a time, in circuit with the electrical supply means; the electrical supply means including a relay operated switch; a coin-operated energizing circuit including a relay for operating said switch; and a holding circuit for the relay; said holding circuit including, for each product vend channel, first and second respective switches, said first switch having a first position in which it completes the holding circuit in by-passing relationship to the second switch and a second position in which it completes the holding circuit through the second switch when the second switch which is normally open is closed, and said first and second switches being operable from the first to the second position and from the normally open to the closed position, respectively, upon initial operation of the respective motor, whereby the holding circuit is broken, while said respective motor remains connected in circuit with the electrical supply means for completion of the product vending cycle.
 2. In a coin-operated vending apparatus having a plurality of product vend channels, an electrical control system comprising: a plurality of motors each of which controls product vending from a respective one of the product vend channels; electrical supply means for the motors; selective switching means for selectively connecting the motors, one at a time, in circuit with the electrical supply means; the electrical supply means including a relay operated switch; a coin-operated energizing circuit including a relay for operating said switch; and a holding circuit for the relay; said holding circuit including, for each product vend channel, first and second respective switches, said first switch having a first position in which it completes the holding circuit in by-passing relationship to the second switch and a second position in which it connects the respective motor in circuit with the electrical supply means in by-passing relationship to the selective switching means and the relay operated switch and in which it completes the holding circuit through the second switch when the second switch which is normally open is closed, and said first and second switches being operable from the first to the second position and from the normally open to the closed position, respectively, upon initial operation of the respective motor, whereby to break the holding circuit.
 3. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, in each product vend channel, the first and second switches are cam-operated switches, cams being drivenly connected to the respective motor for operation of the cam-operated switches.
 4. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in each product vend channel operation of the first and second switches upon initial operation of tHe respective motor is staggered, with said second switch being operable subsequently to said first switch.
 5. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising, for each product vend channel, a product empty switch through which the respective product vend motor is connectible in circuit with the electrical supply means.
 6. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coin-operated energizing circuit further comprises a coin-operated switch having a first position in which it completes the coin-operated energizing circuit and a second position in which it is incorporated, in a closed position, in the electrical supply means.
 7. A coin-operated vending apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the selective switching means comprises, for each product vend channel, a selector switch having a first position in which it connects the respective product vend motor in circuit with the electrical supply means, and a second position in which it connects the selector switch of the next following product vend channel in circuit with the electrical supply means.
 8. A product vend channel device for coin-operated vending apparatus, the device comprising a product dispensing cradle which is mounted for movement between a first position in which a product disposed on the cradle is retained thereon and a second position in which a product disposed on the cradle is discharged therefrom, a product vend motor having an output drive coupled to the product dispensing cradle for movement of the cradle, on operation of the motor, between said first and second positions, and first and second switches mounted in the device for operation by the motor, the first switch being a double-throw switch which is electrically connected in series with the motor for connection of the motor in circuit with electrical supply means and which has a first position in which said circuit is broken by the first switch and a second position in which said circuit is completed, the second switch being a normally open switch which is electrically connected across the two alternative contacts of the first switch, and the first and second switches being operable upon initial operation of the motor from the first to the second position and from the open to the closed position, respectively, and being restorable on termination of the operation of the motor from the second to the first position and from the closed to the open position, respectively.
 9. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein the first and second switches are cam-operated switches, cam means being drivenly connected to the output drive of the product vend motor for operation of the cam-operated switches.
 10. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein the product dispensing cradle is pivotally mounted for rocking movement between said first and second positions thereof, the cradle in the first position thereof being tilted in one direction and in the second position thereof being tilted in the opposite direction.
 11. A product vend channel device according to claim 10, wherein the coupling between the output drive of the product vend motor and the product dispensing cradle comprises a link one end of which is eccentrically and pivotally connected to the output drive of the motor for rotation thereby, and the other end of which is pivotally connected at a position spaced from the axis about which the cradle is pivotally mounted to a projecting arm portion presented by the cradle.
 12. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein the product vend motor is provided with a brake which comprises a member movable between a first position in which it is in engagement with a further member presented by the output drive of the motor to prevent operation of the motor, and a second position in which it is clear of said further member, the first-mentioned member being resiliently urged towards said first position thereof and being, against said resilient Urging, electromagnetically urged by energisation of the windings of the motor towards said second position thereof.
 13. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein means responsive to the temperature of the windings of the product vend motor is provided for disconnecting the electrical supply means from the motor on said temperature attaining a pre-determined value.
 14. A product vend channel device according to claim 9, wherein the cam means presents first and second portions for initiating operation of the first and second switches, respectively, said first portion being in advance of said second portion relative to the operative direction of rotation of the cam means.
 15. A product vend channel device according to claim 9, wherein said cam means comprises two annular flanges each of which is circumferentially incomplete.
 16. A product vend channel device according to claim 8, wherein a product empty switch is incorporated in circuit with the product vend motor, an actuating arm for the product empty switch being provided in the path of the product supply to the product dispensing cradle, whereby the product empty switch is operated to prevent operation of the motor when the product supply is exhausted. 